With Sanders maintaining his current salary of $5.6 million, all three cuts of Colquitt, Mark Sanchez and Ronnie Hillman were not necessary. Of the three, the biggest question mark is associated with Colquitt, since he signed a one-year deal for only $1.7 million with the Cleveland Browns. If Elway offered two years of guaranteed money at the mark he probably could have retained Colquitt, who was scheduled to make $3.25 million before being among the those cut prior to the last preseason game.

His replacement, rookie Riley Dixon, had an uneven performance in that game against the Arizona Cardinals. One of his punts went for only 18 yards. Dixon’s place holding skills have been questioned as kicker Brandon McManus had more success with Colquitt versus Dixon holding for field goals.

The adjusted 2016 salary cap for the club is $154.85 million with cap space of $9.58 million. If the Broncos have an Achilles heel, it may be the lack of offensive line depth. Perhaps Elway will add another lineman through free agency.